ESSENDON stand-in captain Brendon Goddard is on the verge of signing a new one-year deal with the club that will include a trigger clause for 2018.

Goddard crossed to Essendon from St Kilda on a four-year free agency deal at the end of 2012 and has stood up in one of the club's most trying periods, playing 83 of a possible 87 games and assuming the captaincy this year in the absence of suspended Brownlow medallist Jobe Watson.

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The two-time All Australian had sought a two-year extension, but AFL.com.au understands he is close to agreeing to a deal for 2017 that will give him the right to play on in 2018 if he meets performance-based criteria. 

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell told RSN 927 on Friday morning a deal with Goddard was imminent. 

"Discussions have been really positive. I feel like we're in a pretty good position and hopefully there's an announcement coming soon," Campbell said. 

Goddard, 31, had played every game this season before suffering a groin injury in Essendon's round 20 loss to Geelong and is a chance to return for the Bombers' final game against Carlton. 

The midfielder is ranked second at Essendon this year for disposals (26.1 a game) and is in the top three at the club for metres gained and score involvements.

He won Essendon's 2013 best and fairest award in his first season at the club – the first best and fairest of his career – and is on track to play his 300th game midway through next season.

Goddard's career at Essendon has been clouded by the club's supplements saga, which became public in February 2013 just weeks before he first ran out in red and black in the pre-season competition. 

Eight of the 12 Essendon players serving WADA bans have recommitted to the club, with key defender Michael Hurley re-signing on Thursday. 

Only long-time captain Watson, Michael Hibberd, Ben Howlett and Tayte Pears are yet to announce their intentions for 2017.